Reading system, control method of reading system, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To perform appropriate notification when skew of a document is detected.SOLUTION: A reading system has: processing means that processes data obtained by reading a document conveyed by conveying means; detection means that detects skew of the document conveyed by the conveying means on the basis of output from at least one sensor; and display control means that, when the detection means detects skew, performs predetermined display indicating the possibility of the occurrence of skew of the conveyed document.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reading system for detecting skewing of a document, a control method for the reading system, a program, and a storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] There is an image reading apparatus that conveys a document by an automatic document feeder (ADF) to read an image of the document and generates image data by reading the document. In such an image reading apparatus, when the document is loaded on the loading unit (the hand-feed portion of the document) in a skewed state, jamming may occur when the document is conveyed, and the document may be damaged. In addition, the rollers inside the ADF and the surrounding conveyance guide members may be damaged by the jammed document. As a technique for solving these problems, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus that detects skewing of a document by two sensors arranged symmetrically with respect to the conveyance direction and adjusts the conveyance speed of the document by a conveyance roller according to the detected skewing amount.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As a method for detecting skewing of a document even with different paper widths, a method of providing a plurality of types of sensors having different arrangement widths symmetrically with respect to the conveyance direction of the document can be considered. By adopting this method, it becomes possible to detect skewing of a document by a plurality of types of sensors even for, for example, an A2 document or an A4 document having a paper width narrower than A2.

[0005] However, providing multiple types of sensors causes the following problems. That is, when manuscripts with different paper widths are loaded in the loading section in a mixed state, the sensor may misdetect the difference in paper width as skewing of the manuscript and interrupt the reading process of the manuscript. If the user is not given an appropriate notification when the reading process is interrupted, no matter how much the user adjusts the manuscript position or the like so that the manuscript does not skew, the mixed state of the manuscripts, which is the cause of the interruption of the reading process, cannot be eliminated and the reading process cannot be continued.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a more appropriate notification when skewing of a manuscript is detected.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] To achieve the above object, a reading system of the present invention includes processing means for processing data obtained by reading a manuscript conveyed by conveying means; detection means for detecting skewing of the manuscript conveyed by the conveying means based on an output from at least one sensor; display control means for controlling to perform a predetermined display indicating a possibility of skewing of the conveyed manuscript when the detection means detects skewing Control to display a specific screen on which the content related to disabling the detection of diagonal movement by the detection means is displayed after performing the predetermined display ; and is characterized by having the above.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a more appropriate notification can be given when skewing of a manuscript is detected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention.

[0011] <First Embodiment> First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, a job for reading a document is executed. During the execution of the job, scanning is interrupted according to the detection of the skew of the document by the skew detection sensor. Further, according to the detection of the skew of the document, control will be described to notify the user of the countermeasure method in the case of skew and the countermeasure method in the case of setting a bound document or a document of different widths mixedly loaded on the ADF.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image reading system according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 101 will be described as an example of an image reading apparatus, and a PC 102 will be described as an example of an information processing apparatus. The MFP 101 and the PC 102 are communicably connected via a network 100.

[0013] Note that in FIG. 1, the case where one information processing apparatus is provided in the image reading system is illustrated, but the MFP 101 and a plurality of information processing apparatuses may be communicably connected via the network 100. Further, although the image reading system of the present embodiment is illustrated as including the MFP 101 and the PC 102, it is not limited thereto. For example, only the MFP 101 may be called an image reading system.

[0014] First, the PC 102 will be described. The PC 102 can execute various programs such as application programs. Further, a scanner driver for using the reading function of the MFP 101 from the PC 102 and a scan application for processing and arranging the scanned image are installed in the PC 102. By issuing a scan instruction from the PC 102 to the MFP 101, the reading function provided in the MFP 101 can be used.

[0015] Next, the MFP 101 will be described. The MFP 101 has a reading function of reading an image on a sheet and a printing function of printing an image on a sheet. In addition, the MFP 101 also has a file transmission function of transmitting image data to an external device.

[0016] In addition, in this embodiment, the MFP101 is described as an example of an image reading device, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The present embodiment can be applied to any image reading device configured to convey an original document for reading an image of the original document. For example, a single-function scanner without a printing function may be used. Further, the image reading device may be configured to store the generated image data in an internal storage area. Alternatively, the image reading device may be a scanner configured to store the generated image data in an external memory (e.g., a USB flash drive) detachable from the image reading device via an external bus such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). In this example, as an example, the image reading device is assumed to include various constituent elements described below.

[0017] A control unit 110 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 controls the operation of the entire MFP101. The CPU 111 reads a control program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112 or a storage 114, and performs various controls such as reading control and printing control. The ROM 112 stores a control program executable by the CPU 111. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 113 is a main memory of the CPU 111, and is used as a temporary storage area for expanding various control programs stored in a work area, the ROM 112, and the storage 114. The storage 114 stores print data, image data, various programs, and various setting information. In this embodiment, an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is assumed as the storage 114, but a non-volatile memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used instead of the HDD.

[0018] In the MFP 101 of the present embodiment, one CPU 111 executes each process shown in the flowchart described later using one memory (RAM 113), but other modes may be used. For example, a plurality of CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages may cooperate to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later. Further, some processes may be executed using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0019] The operation unit interface (I / F) 115 connects the operation unit 116 and the control unit 110. Here, FIG. 2 is an external view showing the operation unit 116. The operation unit 116 includes a panel 401 that displays an operation screen described later and a hard key input unit 402. The panel 401 is, for example, a touch panel display. The hard key input unit 402 has various hard keys such as a start key 412. The user inputs an instruction by touching a key displayed on the panel 401 or pressing a hard key provided in the hard key input unit 402. Note that the panel 401 may be a display that does not have a touch panel function. In this case, it may have a scroll key for selecting a key displayed on the display and a decision key for determining the key as hard keys. The operation unit 116 functions as a reception unit that receives an instruction from the user via the panel 401 and the hard key input unit 402, and also functions as a display unit that displays an operation screen on the panel 401 as necessary.

[0020] In FIG. 1, the reading unit I / F 117 connects the reading unit 118 and the control unit 110. The reading unit 118 reads an image on a sheet and generates image data. The image data generated by the reading unit 118 is transmitted to an external device or printed on the sheet. The specific configuration of the reading unit 118 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0021] The printing unit I / F 119 connects the printing unit 120 and the control unit 110. The image data to be printed is transferred from the control unit 110 to the printing unit 120 via the printing unit I / F 119. The printing unit 120 receives a control command and the image data to be printed via the control unit 110, and prints an image based on the image data on a sheet. The printing method of the printing unit 120 may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. Any other method (for example, a thermal transfer method, etc.) may be used as long as it can print an image on a sheet.

[0022] Also, the control unit 110 is connected to the network 100 via the communication unit I / F 123. The communication unit I / F 123 transmits image data and information to external devices on the network 100, or receives print data and information from information processing devices on the network 100.

[0023] <Configuration of the reading unit> Next, the hardware configuration of the reading unit 118 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to the control of the reading unit 118. The CPU 131 controls the operation of the reading unit 118. The CPU 131 reads out the control program stored in the ROM 132 and performs various controls such as reading control and communication with the control unit 110. The ROM 132 stores a control program executable by the CPU 131. The RAM 133 is the main memory of the CPU 131 and is used as a work area and a temporary storage area for expanding various control programs stored in the ROM 132. Note that the CPU 131, the ROM 132, and the RAM 133 may be realized by a microcontroller in which the same functions are incorporated into one integrated circuit.

[0024] The reading unit 118 further includes an image processing unit 142, a CCD sensor unit 144, a motor control unit 147, a motor 148, an original detection sensor 145, skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, 154, and other conveyance sensors 146. Also, the reading unit 118 is connected to the control unit 110 via the reading unit I / F 117.

[0025] The original document detection sensor 145 detects that the original document 203 is loaded on the original document paper feed tray 202. Note that the detection signal from the original document detection sensor 145 is transmitted to the CPU 111 via the reading unit I / F 117.

[0026] The motor 148 is driven to rotate the pickup roller 243, separation drive roller 244, separation driven roller 245, transport roller pair 206, lead roller pairs 210, 211, platen guide roller 208, discharge roller pair 207, etc. of the reading unit 118, which will be described later. Also, the motor 148 is driven to move the exposure unit 213 and the mirror unit 214 of the reading unit 118, which will be described later.

[0027] Note that in this embodiment, the CPU 111 controls the motor control unit 147 to control the drive of the motor 148, but it is not limited to this. The CPU 131 of the reading unit 118 may control the motor control unit 147 to control the drive of the motor 148.

[0028] The skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, 154 detect that the original document is skewed. In the detection of skew, when the time difference between the respective original document detection times in the skew detection sensors arranged on a straight line intersecting the transport direction of the original document is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the original document is skewed. Note that the threshold value of the time difference for detecting the skew of the original document by the skew detection sensor sets 151, 152 and the skew detection sensor sets 153, 154 is stored in the storage 114. The detection signals from the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, 154 are transmitted to the CPU 111 via the reading unit I / F 117. Details of the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, 154 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0029] The transport sensor 146 is a plurality of sensors provided at key points on the transport path of the original document, and detects the occurrence of transport errors such as paper jams and the presence or absence of the original document in the transport path. When the occurrence of a transport error is detected by the transport sensor 146, a maintenance screen, which will be described later, is displayed on the panel 401.

[0030] The data read by the CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor unit 144 is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by an A / D conversion unit (not shown). Thereafter, the digital signal is converted into image data by the image processing unit 142 and temporarily stored in the RAM 113 via the reading unit I / F 117. Then, under the control of the CPU 111, the image data is stored in the storage 114.

[0031] Next, a case where the image of the document 203 is read by the ADF (hereinafter referred to as scanning) using a cross-sectional view of the reading unit 118 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the reading unit 118.

[0032] The reading unit 118 includes a document feed tray 202, regulating plates 231 and 232 that are arranged at both ends of the document on the document feed tray 202 and are movable so as to contact both ends of the document, and a discharge tray 222 that conveys and discharges the document 203 stacked on the document feed tray 202.

[0033] The reading unit 118 also includes a pickup roller 243 as a feeding means, a separation drive roller 244, a separation driven roller 245, a pair of conveying rollers 206, a pair of lead rollers 210 and 211, a platen guide roller 208, and a pair of discharge rollers 207.

[0034] The reading unit 118 includes a document detection sensor 145 that detects the document 203 on the document feed tray 202, and a post-separation sensor 143 that is arranged downstream of the separation drive roller 244 in the document conveyance direction and detects the document 203.

[0035] Also arranged downstream of the separation drive roller 244 are skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, and 154 that detect the skew of the document 203 in the width direction of the document, and a conveyance sensor 146 that detects the occurrence of conveyance errors such as document jams and the presence or absence of a document in the conveyance path.

[0036] Furthermore, the reading unit 118 includes a platen glass 212, a jump table 217, a reference white plate 218, a document table glass 221, an exposure unit 213, a mirror unit 214, a lens 215, and a CCD sensor unit 144. The exposure unit 213 and the mirror unit 214 are configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction, which is the left-right direction in the figure, by wires and a drive motor (not shown).

[0037] In FIG. 4, when it is detected by the document detection sensor 145 that a document 203 is loaded on the document feed tray 202, scanning is started in accordance with receiving an execution instruction for scanning from the user.

[0038] When scanning starts, the pickup roller 243 supported by an arm (not shown) descends and contacts the topmost original 203 on the original paper feed tray 202. Then, the original 203 is fed by the pickup roller 243 and separated one by one at the separation nip formed by the separation driving roller 244 and the separation driven roller 245 as separation means. The separation driving roller 244 is formed of a rubber material or the like with slightly less friction than the separation driven roller 245. A torque limiter is arranged in the drive transmission path to the separation driven roller 245. The separation driven roller 245 rotates with the separation driving roller 244 when one original is fed, and does not rotate when two or more originals are fed. Therefore, the originals can be separated one by one. Note that driving in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the original may be input to the separation driven roller 245. The leading end and the trailing end of the original that has passed through the separation nip are detected by the post-separation sensor 143, and serve as a reference for the lifting timing of the pickup roller 243, the driving start and stop timing, and the driving start and stop timing of the conveyance roller pair 206. The original 203 conveyed one by one by the separation driving roller 244 and the separation driven roller 245 passes through the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, 154 and is detected by the original passage detection sensor which is one of the conveyance sensors 146. Then, it is determined whether or not the passage of the first original 203 has ended based on the detection time. The original 203 sent into the apparatus by the conveyance roller pair 206 is conveyed toward the platen glass 212 by the feed roller pair 210. A platen guide roller 208 is arranged opposite to the platen glass 212, and the platen guide roller 208 guides the original 203 passing through the platen glass 212 so that it does not float from the platen glass 212. When the original 203 passes over the platen glass 212, the surface in contact with the platen glass 212 is exposed by the exposure unit 213, and the image of the original 203 is read in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. The reflected light obtained as a result from the original 203 is transmitted to the mirror unit 214 through a plurality of mirrors. Then, the transmitted reflected light passes through the lens 215, is condensed, and is converted into data of an electrical signal by the CCD sensor unit 144.The data output from the CCD sensor unit 144 is converted into image data by the aforementioned image processing unit 142 and transferred to the control unit 110. Note that the reference white plate 218 serves as a reference for the reading luminance of the document 203. The document 203 that has passed through the platen glass 212 is guided by the jump table 217 to the read roller pair 211 and discharged to the discharge tray 222 by the discharge roller pair 207. Note that the CPU 111 rotates each roller by driving with the motor 148 to convey the document 203. Also, a discharge sensor, which is one of the conveyance sensors 146, detects that the document 203 has been discharged to the discharge tray 222.

[0039] Note that in this embodiment, the optical system included in the reading unit 118 has been described for the case where it is a reduction optical system that forms an image of the reflected light from the document 203 on the CCD sensor, but it is not limited to this. The optical system included in the reading unit 118 may be an equal magnification optical system that forms an image of the reflected light from the document 203 on a CIS (Contact Image Sensor).

[0040] Note that the operation of reading the image of the document 203 performed by the reading unit 118 has been described for the case where the position of the optical system is fixed and the document 203 is conveyed by the ADF while reading the image of the document 203, but it is not limited to this. After conveying the document to the document table glass 221, the position of the document can be fixed, and the image of the document can also be read by moving the optical system by driving the motor 148.

[0041] The cover 250 is a cover that covers a part of the conveyance path of the ADF. Also, the cover 250 is configured to be rotatable about a fulcrum axis (not shown) and can be opened and closed. The user can open the cover 250 to perform operations such as jam processing to remove a document stuck in the conveyance path or a document stopped in the conveyance path. Note that it may be provided with an open / close sensor (not shown) that detects whether the cover 250 is in an open state or a closed state.

[0042] Hereafter, when a paper jam occurs in the conveyance path or when skewing of the document occurs, it is collectively referred to as a conveyance error. When a paper jam occurs, the user can remove the document sandwiched between the pair of feed rollers 210 by pulling it in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction. Also, when the position of the document is close to the output tray 222, the user can also convey and remove the document using a knob (not shown) for manually rotating the pair of feed rollers 211.

[0043] In this embodiment, a maintenance screen that clearly presents these methods of removing the document to the user can be displayed on the panel 401. For example, the maintenance screen can present to the user, using images, videos, etc., how to open the cover and remove the document and how to remove the document inside the conveyance path. Details of the maintenance screen will be described later.

[0044] <Skew Detection Mechanism> Fig. 5 shows the skew detection mechanism in this embodiment. Hereinafter, with reference to this figure, the operation of skew detection in the reading unit 118 will be described. Fig. 5 is a plan view when looking at the vicinity of the document feed tray 202 of the reading unit 118 from above. In this embodiment, the skew detection mechanism is composed of a set of two skew detection sensors, but it is not limited to this. It is assumed that there may be a plurality of sets of skew detection sensors.

[0045] The skew detection mechanism of the reading unit 118 is composed of skew detection sensor sets 151, 152 and skew detection sensor sets 153, 154. The skew detection sensor sets 151, 152 are arranged downstream in the conveyance direction from the pickup roller 243, the separation drive roller 244, and the post-separation sensor 143, and the skew detection sensor sets 153, 154 are arranged downstream in the conveyance direction from the skew detection sensor sets 151, 152. The length between the skew detection sensor sets 151, 152 is arranged to be smaller than the width of the A4R size, 210 mm, and the length between the skew detection sensor sets 153, 154 is arranged to be smaller than the width of the A3 size, 297 mm, and larger than the width of the A4R size, 210 mm. The original document D is loaded on the original document feed tray 202, and the sides of the original document are aligned by the regulating plates 231 and 232 on the original document feed tray 202. The regulating plates 231, 232 are interlocked by, for example, a link mechanism so as to be equidistant from the center in the width direction of the original document conveyance path (the position of the post-separation sensor 143 in the width direction). Thereby, the original document placed on the original document feed tray 202 in accordance with the regulating plates 231, 232 is positioned at the center in the width direction of the conveyance path. The top sheet of the original document D is sent by the pickup roller 243 to the position of the separation drive roller 244 and fed. That is, if the conveyed original document is not skewed, an A4R size original document can be detected by the skew detection sensor sets 151, 152, but cannot be detected by the skew detection sensor sets 153, 154. On the other hand, A4 size and A3 size original documents can be detected by either the skew detection sensor sets 151, 152 or the skew detection sensor sets 153, 154.

[0046] In the plan view when looking at the vicinity of the original document feed tray 202 of the reading unit 118 from above, an example of the operation when conveying a bound original document is shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6(a) shows an ideal skew state for detection where the leading edge of the original document is not distorted, FIG. 6(b) shows a state where the leading edge of the original document is bent, which often occurs in practice, and is the beginning state of skew, and FIG. 6(c) shows the state when conveyance is continued from the state of FIG. 6(b).

[0047] The skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, 154, the pickup roller 243, the separation drive roller 244, the post-separation sensor 143, the document feed tray 202, and the regulating plates 231 and 232 have the same configurations and functions as described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0048] When conveying a stapled document, for an ideal skew state for detection, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the first document D1 rotates around the staple ST, and the leading edge of the document is in a form represented by a straight line around the staple ST. However, as shown in FIG. 6(b), actually, the part with the staple ST stays at the position of the separation drive roller 244, while the side without the staple ST is often conveyed along the regulating plate 232 while maintaining a certain degree of parallelism with the conveyance path. Therefore, little skew occurs inside the document where the skew detection sensor sets 151 and 152 are located. Thus, in order to detect the skew of a large-sized document, not only the skew detection sensor sets 151 and 152 but also the skew detection sensor sets 153 and 154 are required. Then, as time elapses from the state of FIG. 6(b), the side without the staple ST is conveyed in the conveyance direction, and the state of FIG. 6(c) is reached, turning on the outer skew detection sensor 154, enabling the detection of the skew of a large-sized stapled document.

[0049] FIG. 7 shows an example of the operation when conveying documents of mixed different widths in a plan view when looking at the vicinity of the document feed tray 202 of the reading unit 118 from above. Here, assume that a document D1 of A4R size and a document D2 of A3 size are placed on the document feed tray 202. In the present embodiment, a function of simultaneously placing and conveying documents with different sizes in the width direction orthogonal to the document conveyance direction and performing image formation processing according to each size is called mixed loading of documents of different widths. To use the function of mixed loading of documents of different widths, it is necessary to enable the setting of mixed loading of documents of different widths. This setting of mixed loading of documents of different widths is realized by the user inputting to the operation unit 116.

[0050] In FIG. 7, since the regulating plates 231 and 232 are arranged according to the large-sized document D2, the size of the document detected by the ADF is a document with the width size of the document D2. Therefore, not only the skew detection sensor sets 151 and 152 but also the skew detection sensor sets 153 and 154 are used. When setting a document with mixed widths, the small-sized document D1 cannot prevent skew by being sandwiched between the regulating plates 231 and 232. For this reason, the skew of the document D1 is prevented by attaching the long side to one of the regulating plates. For example, the long side of the small-sized document D1 is attached to the regulating plate 232 on the back side of the document feed tray 202, that is, the upper side in the figure.

[0051] FIG. 7 shows the state when the small-sized document D1 is conveyed in a document with mixed widths. At this time, only the document D1 is conveyed in the left direction in the figure by the pickup roller 243 and the separation drive roller 244. Here, the skew detection sensor sets 151 and 152 detect the document D1 almost simultaneously. In the skew detection sensor sets 153 and 154, since the skew detection sensor 154 is the sensor on the back side, it can detect the document D1, but the skew detection sensor 153 on the front side cannot detect the document D1 because the length in the width direction of the document D1 is insufficient. Therefore, after the time of the threshold value for determining that skew has occurred after detecting the document D1 by the skew detection sensor 154 has elapsed, the document D1 cannot be detected by the skew detection sensor 153, and it is determined that skew of the document has occurred. This false detection occurs when conveying the exemplified document with mixed widths. Therefore, in order to avoid false detection of skew, it is necessary to temporarily invalidate the detection of skew by the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, and 154 only when conveying a document with mixed widths. Alternatively, it is necessary to invalidate the detection of skew by the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, and 154 only when the user inputs the setting of mixed widths of different-sized documents to the operation unit 116 in advance.

[0052] <Processing at the time of skew detection> In this embodiment, when skew of the document is detected, the user is notified that skew has occurred, and control is performed to notify the user of a countermeasure method when skew occurs and a countermeasure method when a stapled document or a document of different widths is set on the ADF. Here, before resuming reading of the document image, a method of notifying the user of these countermeasure methods and then resuming reading will be described.

[0053] First, as a countermeasure method when the document is skewed, sandwiching the document with a regulating plate on the document feed tray is the most effective means. Therefore, as an example of information for suppressing recurrence of skew, information instructing the user to align the width of the document with the regulating plate can be considered.

[0054] Next, when a large stack of documents is loaded on the document feed tray, there is a possibility that a stapled document may be accidentally set by the user. Therefore, even if the user aligns the width of the document with the regulating plate, there is a risk that the occurrence of skew cannot be eliminated. In view of this, when a stapled document is set, as an example of information for suppressing recurrence of skew, information instructing the user to remove the stapled document from the stack of documents can also be notified.

[0055] Furthermore, when a document of different widths is set, as an example of information for avoiding the above-described false detection of skew, information instructing the user to input a setting for mixing document sizes of different widths and information instructing the user to accept an input for temporarily disabling detection of skew by the skew detection sensor can be considered.

[0056] By the way, when skew is detected, the user may have to open the cover of the reading unit and remove the document. For example, if the reading process of the document is interrupted by skew detection and the interruption timing is during conveyance of the fifth document, the user has to open the cover of the reading unit and remove the documents before the fourth one. Also, it is conceivable that skew detection and paper jam in the conveyance path occur at the same timing.

[0057] Therefore, in this embodiment, when skew is detected, not only information for suppressing the recurrence of skew but also a method for removing jammed originals in the conveyance path or originals stopped in the conveyance path is presented to the user. For example, in this embodiment, both a maintenance screen that presents the method for removing the original in an easy-to-understand manner to the user and a screen that displays information for suppressing the recurrence of skew are displayed. An example of a specific screen display method will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the panel 401 when skew is detected by the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, 154 of the reading unit 118 shown in FIG. 3.

[0059] FIG. 8(a) shows an example of a maintenance screen displayed as an initial screen when skew is detected. This initial screen is referred to as a "simple maintenance screen" for convenience. FIGS. 8(b) and 8(c) show examples of maintenance screens displayed as work procedures for removing the original for users who are not familiar with the method of clearing paper jams. These screens are referred to as "detailed maintenance screens" for convenience. Further, FIG. 8(d) is a diagram showing an example of a screen waiting for rereading of the original when the paper jam is cleared when skew is detected.

[0060] When the CPU 111 detects the occurrence of skew by the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, 154 while an original is being read by a copy function or a file transmission function, etc., the CPU 111 interrupts the conveyance of the original. Further, the CPU 111 displays the simple maintenance screen 801 shown in FIG. 8(a) on the panel 401.

[0061] The information 802 is information that illustratively explains to the user how to remove the original. Here, the case of opening the cover and taking out the original is exemplified.

[0062] The information 803 is for notifying the user that skewing of the original has occurred. Also, the information 803 exemplifies that by proceeding to "Detailed Procedures", the user can proceed to an explanation of the work procedure for removing the original.

[0063] Also, the "Detailed Procedures" key 804 is a key for transitioning to a detailed maintenance screen that displays the work procedure for removing the original.

[0064] When the CPU 111 detects that the "Detailed Procedures" key 804 has been pressed, the CPU 111 displays the detailed maintenance screen 805 shown in FIG. 8(b) on the panel 401. On the screen 805, as an example of the work content for removing the original stuck in the conveyance path, a message indicating to open the cover 250 of the reading unit 118 is displayed. The area 806 is an area for displaying the maintenance method. The CPU 111 presents to the user the method of removing the original by displaying an animation, video, etc. of opening and closing the cover 250 in this area 806. Also, the key 807 is a key for transitioning to a screen that displays the next work procedure.

[0065] When the CPU 111 detects that the key 807 has been pressed while the screen 805 is being displayed, the CPU 111 displays the detailed maintenance screen 808 shown in FIG. 8(c) on the panel 401. Note that it may be configured to detect that the cover 250 has been opened by an open / close sensor (not shown) and display the screen 808.

[0066] The screen 808 presents the work content for removing the original stuck in the conveyance path. The area 809 is an area for displaying the method of removing the original. The CPU 111 presents to the user the method of removing the original by displaying an illustration showing the method of removing the original or a video explaining how to remove the original in the area 809. Also, an illustration, video, etc. indicating to close the cover after removing the original are also displayed in the area 809.

[0067] When the CPU 111 determines that it is in a state where an error can be cleared based on the transport sensor 146, an open / close sensor (not shown), etc., it displays the rereading standby screen 810 shown in FIG. 8(d) on the panel 401. The information 811 is information for notifying the user that the process can be restarted by resetting the document to the document feeder tray 202 and pressing the start key 412. That is, the user can press the start key 412 to resume reading the document. When the CPU 111 detects that the start key 412 has been pressed, the CPU 111 displays the screens of the copy function, file transmission function, etc. that were displayed before detecting skew.

[0068] On the rereading standby screen 810, a plurality of factors that interrupt the reading process and a plurality of countermeasures for each factor are displayed as described above.

[0069] The information 812 is information for notifying the user that the document has skewed. Also, the information 812 is information for notifying the user that in order to suppress the recurrence of skew as a countermeasure when the document has skewed, it is necessary to adjust the width of the regulating plate (''document guide'' in the figure) to the document. Also, the information 812 is information for notifying the user that in order to suppress the recurrence of skew as a countermeasure when a stapled document is set in the ADF, it is necessary to remove the stapled document from the document bundle. Furthermore, the information 812 is information for notifying the user that in order to avoid false detection of skew as a countermeasure when documents of different widths are mixed and set in the ADF, it is necessary to cancel the rereading of the document and input the setting of mixed loading of different-width document sizes.

[0070] The information 813 is information for notifying the user that when documents of different widths are mixed and set in the ADF, the documents of different widths can be read by temporarily disabling the detection of skew by the skew detection sensor in order to avoid false detection of skew.

[0071] The key 814 is a key for temporarily disabling the detection of skew by the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, and 154 during the rereading of the document. When the CPU 111 detects that the start key 412 has been pressed while the key 814 is being pressed, the CPU 111 temporarily disables the detection of skew by the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, and 154 during the rereading of the document. By pressing the key 814, the user can read a document with mixed widths without stopping the conveyance operation due to the detection of skew during the rereading of the document. Regardless of the period during which the skew detection sensors are disabled by selecting the key 814, for example, it shall be the period until the currently executing print job is completed.

[0072] The stop key 815 is a key used to stop the currently executing copy function, file transmission function, etc. By pressing the stop key 815, the user can discard the document read so far and stop the currently executing process. When the CPU 111 detects that the stop key 815 has been pressed, the CPU 111 displays the screen of the copy function, file transmission function, etc. that was displayed before detecting the skew. By pressing the stop key 815 and displaying such a screen, the user can execute functions such as the copy function or file transmission function after making new settings.

[0073] When "mixed document sizes" is set with the mixed document size key 1002 according to the information 812, or when the skew detection sensor is disabled according to the information 814 and the scanning process is executed on a document in a mixed state, the rereading standby screen 810 will not be displayed. Instead, as shown in S1313, the screen 906 is displayed. On the other hand, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the panel 401 when no skew is detected by the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, and 154 of the reading unit 118 shown in FIG. 3 and a document jam is detected by the conveyance sensor 146.

[0074] FIG. 9(a) shows an example of a detailed maintenance screen that is displayed as an initial screen when skewing is not detected and paper jam is detected. Also, FIGS. 9(a) and (b) show an example of a detailed maintenance screen that is displayed as a work procedure for removing the document, similar to FIGS. 8(b) and (c). Further, FIG. 9(c) is a diagram showing an example of a screen that waits for rereading of the document when the paper jam is released.

[0075] When the conveyance sensor 146 detects the occurrence of a paper jam while the document is being read by the copy function or the file transmission function, etc., the CPU 111 interrupts the conveyance of the document. Also, the CPU 111 displays the detailed maintenance screen 901 shown in FIG. 9(a) on the panel 401.

[0076] On the screen 901, as an example of the work content for removing the document staying in the conveyance path, a message to open the cover 250 of the reading unit 118 is displayed. The area 902 is an area for displaying the maintenance method. The CPU 111 presents the method of removing the document to the user by displaying an animation, a video, etc. of opening and closing the cover 250 in this area in the area 902. Also, the key 903 is a key for transitioning to a screen that displays the next work procedure.

[0077] When the CPU 111 detects that the key 903 has been pressed while the screen 901 is being displayed, the CPU 111 displays the detailed maintenance screen 904 shown in FIG. 9(b) on the panel 401. Note that the opening and closing sensor (not shown) may detect that the cover 250 has been opened and the detailed maintenance screen 904 may be displayed.

[0078] On screen 904, the work content for removing the original document stuck in the conveyance path is presented. Area 905 is an area for displaying the method of removing the original document. The CPU 111 presents the method of removing the original document to the user by displaying an illustration showing the method of removing the original document or displaying a video explaining how to remove the original document in area 905. Also, an illustration, video, etc. indicating to close the cover after removing the original document are also displayed in area 905.

[0079] When the CPU 111 determines that it is in a state where the error can be cleared based on the conveyance sensor 146, the open / close sensor (not shown), etc., it displays the rereading standby screen 906 shown in FIG. 9(c) on the panel 401. Information 907 is information for notifying the user that the process can be restarted by resetting the original document to the original document feeder tray 202 and pressing the start key 412. That is, the user can press the start key 412 to restart the reading of the original document. When the CPU 111 detects that the start key 412 has been pressed, the CPU 111 displays the screens of the copy function, file transmission function, etc. that were displayed before detecting the paper jam. Assume that the screen is a screen indicating that the corresponding function is being executed as shown in FIG. 10(c), for example.

[0080] The stop key 908 is a key used to stop the currently executing copy function, file transmission function, etc. The user can press the stop key 908 to discard the original document read so far and stop the currently executing process. When the CPU 111 detects that the stop key 908 has been pressed, the CPU 111 displays the screens of the copy function, file transmission function, etc. that were displayed before detecting the paper jam.

[0081] Next, specific control for displaying information for suppressing the recurrence of skew is exemplified and explained using the copy function provided in the MFP 101.

[0082] First, the copy settings will be described. FIG. 10 shows an example of a copy screen displayed on panel 401. FIGS. 10(a) and (b) show an example of a setting screen. Also, FIG. 10(c) shows an example of an execution screen displayed during copy processing.

[0083] The user of MFP 101 can select the copy function from a main screen (not shown) displayed on panel 401. It is assumed that buttons (icons) for activating various functions (e.g., copy function, file transmission function, file saving function, etc.) provided in MFP 101 are displayed selectably on the main screen.

[0084] When the main screen is displayed, CPU 111 displays setting screen 1001 shown in FIG. 10(a) in accordance with the user pressing the copy function button.

[0085] The user can make various copy settings via setting screen 1001. For example, the user can make various settings such as the number of copies, switching between monochrome and color, and duplex printing settings. Note that there are many setting items not exemplified here for the copy job settings. Therefore, it is difficult to make all the settings on the same screen. Thus, it is assumed that the user will transition to individual setting screens for each setting item and make settings for multiple functions.

[0086] The mixed original size key 1002 is a key for selecting whether to enable or disable the setting of mixed loading of different-width original sizes. The user can use the mixed original size key 1002 to switch between enabling and disabling the setting of mixed loading of different-width original sizes. The state where the setting of mixed loading of different-width original sizes is not performed is exemplified in setting screen 1001.

[0087] When the CPU 111 detects that the original size mixed loading key 1002 has been pressed while the setting screen 1001 is being displayed, the CPU 111 displays the setting screen 1003 on the panel 401. In the setting screen 1003, as shown by the original size mixed loading key 1004, a state in which the setting for mixed loading of different-width original sizes is being performed is illustrated. It is assumed that the original size mixed loading key 1004 is displayed in a different manner from the original size mixed loading key 1002. The difference in the manner between the original size mixed loading key 1002 and the original size mixed loading key 1004 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 10. For example, the shape of the original size mixed loading key 1004 may be displayed in a shape different from that of the original size mixed loading key 1002, or the original size mixed loading key 1002 may be displayed so as not to blink, and the original size mixed loading key 1004 may be displayed so as to blink.

[0088] When the CPU 111 detects that the start key 412 has been pressed while the setting screens 1001 and 1003 are being displayed, the CPU 111 starts the copy process. The CPU 111 starts the operation of reading the original by the reading unit 118 and displays the copy execution screen 1005 shown in FIG. 10(c) on the panel 401.

[0089] Next, taking the copy process as an example, a specific control method for displaying information (FIG. 8) for suppressing the recurrence of skew will be described using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 to 13.

[0090] Each operation (step) of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 is realized by the CPU 111 reading the control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing it. Note that a part of the control program for realizing each operation may be executed by another CPU (for example, the CPU 131 of the reading unit 118, etc.), and may be realized by the cooperation of the control programs.

[0091] In S1101, the CPU 111 determines whether it has received an instruction to execute a copy job. If the CPU 111 determines that it has received the instruction (YES in S1101), the process proceeds to S1102. On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines NO in S1101, it repeats the process of S1101 until it determines that it has received the instruction. Specifically, when the start key 412 is pressed by the user while the setting screen 1001 shown in FIG. 10(a) is displayed on the panel 401, it is determined that an instruction to execute a copy job has been received. Also, when the CPU 111 receives an instruction to execute a copy job, it displays a copy execution screen 1005 on the panel 401.

[0092] In S1102, the CPU 111 sets (initializes) the value of a flag (hereinafter referred to as the scan end flag) for indicating whether a series of processes related to reading (scanning) the image of the original document has ended normally to "FALSE". The value of the scan end flag is temporarily stored in the RAM 113.

[0093] Note that when the scan end flag is "TRUE", it indicates that the scan has ended normally. On the other hand, when the scan end flag is "FALSE", it indicates that the scan has not ended normally. For example, when the CPU 111 receives an instruction to cancel the scan or the execution of the copy job is canceled, etc., the CPU 111 determines that the scan has not ended normally and rewrites the value of the scan end flag to "FALSE". After executing the process of S1102, the CPU 111 proceeds to the scan process of S1200. In S1200, the CPU 111 executes a series of processes related to scanning.

[0094] <Scan Process> Subsequently, the details of a series of processes related to scanning (S1200) will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 12.

[0095] In S1201, the CPU 111 controls the reading unit 118 to convey the original document 203 loaded on the original document feed tray 202.

[0096] In S1202, the CPU 111 determines whether a conveyance error has occurred in the original document conveyed in S1201. The CPU 111 controls the reading unit 118 to obtain the output values of a plurality of conveyance sensors 146, the rotational speed of the drive motor, and the like. Next, the CPU 111 determines whether a paper jam has occurred based on the obtained values. If a paper jam has occurred, it is determined that a conveyance error has occurred, and the process proceeds to S1209.

[0097] Furthermore, the CPU 111 obtains the output values of the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, and 154. Even when the setting of mixing different-width original document sizes is not performed in the copy setting and the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, and 154 detect skew, it is determined that a conveyance error has occurred, and the process proceeds to S1209.

[0098] On the other hand, if no paper jam has occurred, it is determined that no conveyance error has occurred, and the process proceeds to S1203. Note that when the setting of mixing different-width original document sizes is performed, or when the detection of skew is temporarily disabled, even if the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, and 154 have detected the skew of the original document, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1203 on the assumption that no conveyance error has occurred.

[0099] In S1203, the CPU 111 controls the reading unit 118 to read the original document 203 conveyed in S1201 and generate data when the original document passes over the platen glass 212. Next, in S1204, the CPU 111 controls the reading unit 118 to cause the image processing unit 142 to convert the data read in S1203 into image data. The CPU 111 controls the reading unit 118 to temporarily store the converted image data in the RAM 113.

[0100] In S1205, the CPU 111 controls the reading unit 118 to determine whether the reading of the document is completed. Specifically, when the trailing edge of the document is detected by the conveyance sensor 146 and the reading process and the conversion process into image data are completed, the CPU 111 determines that the reading of the document is completed and proceeds to S1206. On the other hand, if it is during the conveyance of the document or during the conversion process into image data, it is determined that the reading of the document is not completed, and the process returns to S1202.

[0101] In S1206, the CPU 111 stores the image data temporarily stored in the RAM 113 in S1204 in the storage 114. In S1207, the CPU 111 determines whether there is a document placed on the document feed tray. Specifically, the CPU 111 controls the reading unit 118 to obtain the output value of the document detection sensor 145. Based on the obtained value, it is determined whether the document 203 is stacked on the document feed tray 202. If the CPU 111 determines that there is a document placed on the document feed tray, it returns to S1201 and conveys the next document 203. If it determines that there is no document stacked on the document feed tray, it proceeds to S1208. In S1208, the CPU 111 rewrites the value of the scan end flag stored in the RAM 113 to "TRUE", ends the process of S1200, and proceeds to S1103 for the process.

[0102] Next, the processing when a conveyance error occurs (YES in S1202) will be described. In S1209, the CPU 111 controls the reading unit 118 to interrupt the scan. Along with the interruption of the scan, the CPU 111 stops the conveyance of the document and the reading of the image of the document, and proceeds to S1210.

[0103] In S1210, the CPU 111 deletes the image data temporarily stored in the RAM 113 in S1204 and proceeds to S1300. In S1300, the CPU 111 executes a recovery process for the conveyance error. In the process of S1300, the recovery of the conveyance error is performed, and a flag for whether to resume the scan is set. The series of flows of the recovery process will be described later using the flowchart of FIG. 13.

[0104] In S1211, the CPU 111 refers to the value of the scan restart flag set in the series of recovery processes of S1300. If it is "FALSE", the process of S1200 ends and the process proceeds to S1103 in FIG. 11. At this time, the CPU 111 closes the screen related to recovery and switches the screen displayed on the panel 401 to the copy execution screen (screen 1005).

[0105] On the other hand, if it is "TRUE" (if it is not "FALSE"), the process returns to S1201 and the CPU 111 performs the conveyance process of the original 203 placed on the original paper feed tray 202 again by the user. At this time, the CPU 111 closes the screen related to recovery and switches the screen displayed on the panel 401 to the copy execution screen (screen 1005).

[0106] In the process of S1211, when an instruction to cancel the scan is given in the recovery process of S1300, the scan process ends with the scan end flag remaining "FALSE". Therefore, the copy can be canceled in the process described later.

[0107] <Recovery Process for Conveyance Error> Next, the details of the recovery process (S1300) for the conveyance error will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 13.

[0108] In S1301, the CPU 111 determines whether to notify the user that skewing of the original document has occurred. Specifically, the CPU 111 acquires the output values of the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, and 154. If the setting for mixed loading of different-width original document sizes is not made in the copy settings and the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, and 154 detect skew and a conveyance error has occurred, it is determined that the user should be notified of the occurrence of skew, and the process proceeds to S1302. On the other hand, if the setting for mixed loading of different-width original document sizes is made in the copy settings, or if the detection of skew by the skew detection sensors 151, 152, 153, and 154 is temporarily disabled (even if skew is detected but no conveyance error has occurred), or if no skew is detected, the process proceeds to S1311.

[0109] Note that the process of S1301 is a process for controlling so that information for suppressing the recurrence of skew is not displayed when no skew is detected, when the setting for mixed loading of different-width original document sizes is made, or when the detection of skew by the skew detection sensors is temporarily disabled.

[0110] In S1302, the CPU 111 displays, on the panel 401, a screen including information for notifying the user that skewing of the original document has occurred. Specifically, the CPU 111 displays the simple maintenance screen 801 on the panel 401 and proceeds to S1303.

[0111] In S1303, the CPU 111 determines whether an event for switching the display to the detailed maintenance screen 805 has occurred. Specifically, when the "To Detailed Procedure" key 804 on the screen 801 is pressed, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1304, and when the key 804 is not pressed, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1305.

[0112] In S1304, the CPU 111 displays the detailed maintenance screen 805 on the panel 401 and proceeds to S1305. Also, when the CPU 111 is to display animations, videos, etc. in the area 806, it updates the area 806 displayed on the panel 401 at predetermined intervals (e.g., 30 FPS (Frames Per Second)). Note that the information displayed in S1304 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the CPU 111 acquires the output values of various sensors such as the document detection sensor 145 and the conveyance sensor 146. Also, it estimates the location where paper jams have occurred based on the acquired output values. Next, it may be configured to display a method for removing the document based on the estimated location.

[0113] In S1305, the CPU 111 determines whether the recovery of the conveyance error has been completed. Specifically, the CPU 111 controls the reading unit 118 to acquire the output values of the plurality of conveyance sensors 146. If it determines based on the acquired values that no document is detected by all the conveyance sensors 146, it determines that the recovery has been completed and proceeds to S1306. On the other hand, if it determines that a document is detected by any of the conveyance sensors 146, it returns to S1303 and updates the screen displayed on the panel 401 as necessary.

[0114] Note that in S1305, when it is detected based on an opening / closing sensor (not shown) that the cover 250 has been closed, it may be configured to determine that the recovery has been completed. In this case, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1306 when no document is detected by the conveyance sensor 146 and it is detected by the opening / closing sensor that the cover 250 is closed.

[0115] In S1306, the CPU 111 displays a rereading standby screen (screen 810) including information for notifying the user that skewing of the document has occurred and information for suppressing recurrence of skewing on the panel 401 and proceeds to S1307. In S1307, if the stop key 815 is pressed, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1309; if the stop key 815 is not pressed, it proceeds to S1308.

[0116] In S1309, the CPU 111 sets the value of a flag (hereinafter referred to as the scan restart flag) for indicating whether to resume reading (scanning) the image of the document to "FALSE", and ends a series of recovery processes. The scan restart flag is a flag temporarily stored in the RAM 113. When the recovery process is completed, the process proceeds to S1211.

[0117] On the other hand, in S1308, when the start key 412 is pressed, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1310, and when the start key 412 is not pressed, the CPU 111 returns to S1307 and waits for the key to be pressed. In S1310, the CPU 111 sets the value of the scan restart flag to "TRUE" and ends a series of recovery processes. When the recovery process is completed, the process proceeds to S1211.

[0118] Next, the process when not notifying the user that skewing has occurred (NO in S1301) will be described. In S1311, the CPU 111 displays the detailed maintenance screen 901 on the panel 401 and proceeds to S1312. Also, when the CPU 111 displays an animation, video, etc. in the area 902, the area 902 displayed on the panel 401 is updated at predetermined intervals (for example, 30 FPS, etc.). Note that the information displayed in S1311 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the CPU 111 acquires the output values of various sensors such as the document detection sensor 145 and the conveyance sensor 146. Further, according to the acquired output values, the location where document jamming has occurred is estimated. Next, a method for removing the document based on the estimated location may be displayed.

[0119] In S1312, the CPU 111 determines whether the recovery of the conveyance error has been completed. Specifically, the CPU 111 controls the reading unit 118 to acquire the output values of the plurality of conveyance sensors 146. If it is determined based on the acquired values that no document is detected by all the conveyance sensors 146, it is determined that the recovery has been completed, and the process proceeds to S1313. On the other hand, if it is determined that a document is detected by any of the conveyance sensors 146, the process returns to S1311 and the screen displayed on the panel 401 is updated as necessary.

[0120] In addition, in S1312, when it is detected based on an opening / closing sensor (not shown) that the cover 250 has been closed, it may be determined that the recovery has been completed. In this case, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1313 when the conveyance sensor 146 does not detect the document and the opening / closing sensor detects that the cover 250 is closed.

[0121] In S1313, the CPU 111 displays a reread standby screen (screen 906) that does not include information for notifying the user that skewing of the document has occurred and information for suppressing recurrence of skewing on the panel 401, and proceeds to S1314. In S1314, when the cancel key 908 is pressed, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1316, and when the cancel key 908 is not pressed, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1315.

[0122] In S1316, the CPU 111 sets the value of the scan restart flag to "FALSE" and ends the series of recovery processes. When the recovery process is completed, the process proceeds to S1211.

[0123] On the other hand, in S1315, when the start key 412 is pressed, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1317, and when the start key 412 is not pressed, the CPU 111 returns to S1314 and waits for the key to be pressed. In S1317, the CPU 111 sets the value of the scan restart flag to "TRUE" and ends the series of recovery processes. When the recovery process is completed, the process proceeds to S1211.

[0124] As described above, after a series of scan processes (S1200) and recovery processes (S1300) when a conveyance error occurs during the scan process, when the scan process is completed, the process proceeds to S1103 in FIG. 11.

[0125] Returning to the description of FIG. 11, in S1103, the CPU 111 refers to the value of the scan end flag. If it is "TRUE", the process proceeds to the printing process in S1104. On the other hand, if the value of the scan end flag is referred to and it is "FALSE", S1104 is skipped and the process proceeds to S1105.

[0126] In S1104, the CPU 111 transfers the image data stored in the storage 114 in S1206 to the printing unit 120. Further, the printing unit 120 is controlled to print an image on a sheet. When the printing of the image stored in the storage 114 in S1206 is completed, the process proceeds to S1105.

[0127] In S1105, the CPU 111 deletes the image data stored in the storage 114 in S1206 and ends the copy process.

[0128] The above is a series of processes for the MFP 101 according to the first embodiment to receive an execution instruction for a copy job and execute the received copy job.

[0129] As described above, in this embodiment, when skew is detected and the conveyance operation of the document is stopped, the user can resume reading the image of the document after seeing the countermeasures when the document is skewed or the countermeasures when a bound document or a document of different widths is set on the ADF.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when skew is detected, the method of removing the document can also be notified to the user. Therefore, when the skew of the document is detected by the skew detection sensor, the user can remove the document while checking how to open the cover and how to remove the document jammed in the conveyance path or the document stopped in the conveyance path.

[0131] In addition, it is possible to control whether or not to notify the user that skew has occurred. For example, when a document jam occurs but skew has not been detected, that is, when the transport error is not caused by skew, a maintenance screen for removing the document can be displayed without displaying information for preventing recurrence of skew. Also, when a setting for mixed document sizes with different widths is performed or when detection of skew by the skew detection sensor is temporarily disabled, a maintenance screen for removing the document can be displayed without displaying information for avoiding erroneous detection of skew. Therefore, when information for preventing recurrence of skew or information for avoiding erroneous detection of skew is required, the information can be displayed.

[0132] <Other embodiments> In the first embodiment, the reading control in the copy function has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to other functions for reading a document. Specifically, the present invention can also be applied to a file transmission function that transmits a document scanned by the MFP 101 to an external device. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a storage function that stores a document scanned by the MFP 101 in a storage area that the MFP 101 can read and write.

[0133] It can also be applied to a case where PC 102 issues a scan instruction to a single-function scanner, causes the scanner to read an original document, and stores the scanned image in a storage area of PC 102. In this case, the control program of PC 102 (e.g., a scanner driver) and the reading control program of the single-function scanner cooperate to perform the above-mentioned control. The single-function scanner is assumed to have the configuration required for reading an original document and exchanging data with PC 102, among the configurations described in Figures 1, 3, and 4. However, the shape and appearance of the transport path for skimming the original document may be changed as appropriate.

[0134] When applying this embodiment to a single-function scanner, the notifications of skew and paper jams may be given to the operation unit (not shown) of the PC 102. For example, the PC 102 receives information indicating that skew has occurred from the MFP 101 and displays a screen regarding paper jams and skew as shown in FIG. 14 on the operation unit of the PC 102.

[0135] Screen 1400 shows an example of a window displayed on the operation unit of the PC 102. Information 1401 is information for notifying the user that it is necessary to remove the document. Information 1402 is information for notifying the user that, as a countermeasure when the document is skewed, it is necessary to adjust the width of the regulating plate to the document in order to suppress recurrence of skew. Also, information 1402 is also information for notifying the user that, as a countermeasure when a stapled document is set in the ADF, it is necessary to remove the stapled document from the document stack in order to suppress recurrence of skew. Further, information 1402 is also information for notifying the user that, as a countermeasure when documents of different widths are set in the ADF, it is necessary to stop reading the document and input settings for mixed loading of documents of different sizes in order to avoid false detection of skew.

[0136] As described above, the present invention can be applied to an image reading apparatus capable of detecting skew of a document and a system including the image reading apparatus.

[0137] Also, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the description was given on the premise that the start key 412, the stop key, etc. are hard keys. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, a form in which a key or a part thereof described as a hard key in FIG. 2 is provided as a soft key on the panel 401 is also possible.

[0138] Moreover, the object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the following process. That is, a storage medium recording a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or a CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0139] 101 MFP 111 CPU 110 Control Unit 118 Reading Unit 151, 152, 153, 154 Diagonal Detection Sensor 146 Conveyance Sensor

Claims

1. Processing means for processing data obtained by reading a document conveyed by a conveying means; Detection means for detecting skewing of the document conveyed by the conveying means based on the output from at least one sensor; When the detection means detects skewing, control is performed to perform a predetermined display indicating the possibility of skewing of the conveyed document, and after performing the predetermined display, control is performed to display a specific screen on which content regarding invalidating the detection of skewing by the detection means is displayed. Display control means; A reading system characterized by comprising:

2. The reading system according to claim 1, wherein a specific display item for receiving an instruction to set to a specific setting state in which detection of skewing by the detection means is invalidated is displayed on the specific screen.

3. The reading system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a notification prompting to set the setting state of a specific setting item that can be set to be changed from a setting screen different from the specific screen to a predetermined setting state in which the specific screen is not displayed even if the document conveyed by the conveying means is skewed is displayed on the specific screen.

4. The reading system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined display is displayed when the conveyance of the document by the conveying means is stopped due to a conveyance error.

5. The reading system according to claim 4, wherein the specific screen is displayed when the conveyance error is recovered.

6. The reading system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one sensor includes a plurality of sensors arranged along a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the document by the conveying means.

7. A program for causing at least one computer to function as each means of the reading system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing at least one computer to function as each means of the reading system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A processing step of processing data obtained by reading a document conveyed by a conveying means; A detection step of detecting skewing of the document conveyed by the conveying means based on the output from at least one sensor; When skew is detected in the detection step, control is performed to perform a predetermined display indicating the possibility of skew in the conveyed document, and after performing the predetermined display, a specific screen is displayed that controls to display content related to disabling the skew detection by the detection step. A control method for a reading system, characterized by comprising the above.

Images